Bill Tinsley: Was Jesus right?

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Tuesday

Sep 18, 2018 at 12:58 PMSep 18, 2018 at 12:58 PM

Jesus is universally respected. Even the followers of Islam claim him as a prophet. And millions who have no use for the church still like Jesus. But the question remains, “Was Jesus right? Did he know what he was talking about?”

It is often difficult to reconcile the attitude and actions of professing Christians with Jesus’ words and instructions. When I was 18, I worked in a warehouse that shipped products to stores where they would be sold. I worked with older workers who, like me, worked for minimum wage. Some of my co-workers, who were professing Christians, heard that I planned to become a “preacher.” They tried to be nice and encouraging. They told me it was a good thing for me to become a preacher, but reminded me that those things “don’t work here.”

I interpreted their comments to mean that they believed in Jesus but the teachings of Jesus were out of touch with the real world. They were like many Christians I have encountered over the years. Dallas Willard, the renown American philosopher known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation, calls them “vampire Christians.” They want a little of Jesus’ blood, just enough to forgive their sins and assure they are going to heaven, but they don’t think Jesus knew what he was talking about when it comes to everyday life.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Clearly, he thought he knew what he was talking about, and he expected that anyone who placed their faith in him would do everything they could to obey him. Jesus made it clear that it is impossible to love him, and, at the same time, ignore or disobey his instructions.

Either Jesus was the smartest person who ever lived and knew better than anyone else how life should be lived on this earth, or he was a delusional pretender who has misguided millions for more than 2,000 years. If Jesus’ instructions for living will not work in the courtroom, the schools, the factory and the family, neither will they work to get us to heaven.

Our personal conclusion about whether we believe Jesus was right will not be reflected in what we profess about who he is, but in what we do when going about our day-to-day activities at work, school and home. Are we bringing our lives into alignment with his life and teaching? Do we act like Jesus acted? Do we forgive like Jesus forgave? Are we truthful and faithful like Jesus was truthful and faithful? Do we love like Jesus loved?

Following Jesus’ instructions has nothing to do with earning our way to heaven. It has every thing to do with loving Jesus and living a meaningful life. If you want to know what Jesus expects, you can find his instructions in Matthew 5–7.

Jesus told us how to know whether he was right or not. He said, “If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

— Bill Tinsley reflects on current events and life experience from a faith perspective. To suggest a subject for this column Email bill@tinsleycenter.com. Visit www.tinsleycenter.com.

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